HoloLens system uses augmented reality to aid spinal surgery

Augmented reality (AR) isn't just for Pokémon Go and Snapchat masks, the technology will can have practical applications in areas like medicine, too. 

At least that's the promise of the new Scopis Holographic Navigation Platform, which is designed to be used with the Microsoft HoloLens to help doctors perform spinal surgery. 

The company claims that its system can use 3D tracking with the HoloLens to help accurately find spinal screw positions faster during surgery. The system also allows the medical team to place virtual monitors above the surgery space, giving the surgeon a hands-free way to refer to charts and images while operating. Scopis also employs the HoloLens' familiar finger gestures (which look like you're pinching the air) to allow the surgeon to control the AR content.

Of course, the $3,000 HoloLens is still mostly in the hands of developers, so we're still learning about just how reliable it is during pressure situations like surgery, but this short video is an encouraging look at the possible near future of AR as a practical tool beyond gaming and casual apps.